Council addresses report regarding kennel operations
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Town of Strathmore is aiming to address its animal boarding and control capacities, as a report provided before council was accepted through an omnibus motion during the Oct. 16 regular meeting.
Through the town’s agenda, it was addressed that though the existing animal shelter would be an ideal central location for an animal rescue organization, the current footprint is not large enough to support both an animal rescue organization, and be suitable for Municipal Enforcement’s kenneling requirements.
Town administration has indicated that access and availability of an animal shelter is crucial to maintaining the existing service level for the local community.
According to the presented report, 24-hour access for animal sheltering was noted to be necessary to ensure that town residents continue to have a facility which can safely house animals.
The Town’s Municipal Enforcement department staff have already been noted to have met with prospective animal rescue organization representatives regarding a proposed animal rescue and boarding centre concept as it relates to the needs of Strathmore as a municipality, and the town-owned kennel.
Municipal Enforcement was approached in 2023 by Alpine Pet Resort concerning the town’s current animal shelter and the possibility of Alpine Pet Resort utilizing the town’s space as an animal rescue facility.
In April, representatives from Rescued Paws at Alpine Foundation contacted Municipal Enforcement again to inquire about the town’s current animal shelter.
The recurring debate between organizations is regarding having adequate staff and space for operations.
Municipal enforcement staff require a dedicated space to ensure stray, lost, abandoned, or surrendered animals are properly housed and/ or quarantined until suitable and appropriate arrangements can be made for more permanent solutions.
Town administration noted there are no immediate costs to the town regarding this development, though future costs may arise should changes to service levels be requested, or external funding be solicited.
Rescued Paws at Alpine Foundation presented before town council as a delegation during the April 3, regular meeting of council to present their concept for decision.
Council directed administration at the time to look at the feasibility of the capacity to form a value-added partnership with the Rescued Paws at Alpine Foundation.
In addition to concerns regarding currently inadequate space for expanded or collaborative operations at the town’s current kennel, administration noted there would be potential liability introduced when boarding dangerous animals with unknown illnesses, and commercially boarded animals.
No further direction or communications have been thus far indicated by council or by administration regarding the topic.